Electronic device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an electronic device and methods relating to the electronic device, an electronic device having a plurality of modes, a method of changing the mode of an electronic having a plurality of modes, and specifically but not exclusively to an electronic device for a gauge attached to a vessel, an electronic device for a gas meter, and a telemetric fitting for a gauge attached to a vessel, and a telemetric fitting for gas meter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/AU2017/051152 filedOct. 21, 2017, and claims priority to Australian Patent Application No.2016904290, filed Oct. 21, 2016, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein generally relates to an electronic device andmethods relating to the electronic device, an electronic device having aplurality of modes, a method of changing the mode of an electronicdevice having a plurality of modes, and specifically but not exclusivelyto an electronic device for a gauge attached to a vessel, an electronicdevice for a gas meter, and a telemetric fitting for a gauge attached toa vessel, and a telemetric fitting for gas meter. The disclosure furthergenerally relates to the processor of a telemetric electronic devicewhich is configured to specify at least one particular orientation ofthe telemetric electronic device when it is attached to the tank ormeter, and/or wherein the processor is configured to poll theaccelerometer, and/or wherein the processor is configured to triggersending acceleration information by the transmitter when detectedmovement and/or orientation of the device reaches a threshold.

BACKGROUND

Fuels that are gaseous at standard ambient temperature and pressure(“gas fuels”) may comprise, for example, methane, ethane, propane,butane, pentane, and mixtures of two or more of these hydrocarbons.Standard ambient temperature and pressure is 25 deg. C and 101 kPa. Gasfuels may also comprise small amounts of other gases includingpropylene, butylenes, and additives including, for example, odorantgasses in the form of ethanethiol, tetrahydrothiophene, or amylmercaptan for the detection of gas leaks.

Gas fuels may be compressed to form a liquefied gas fuel. For example,butane, propane, and fuels containing mixtures of these hydrocarbons maybe sold as liquid petroleum gas or liquid propane gas, either of whichmay be abbreviated to LPG. A liquefied gas fuel may be stored in apressure vessel, examples of which include but are not limited tocylinders and tanks including LPG bulk storage tanks (“LPG bullettanks”), and liquefied natural gas storage tanks.

Within the pressure vessel is an interface between the liquefied gasfuel and the vapour thereof. The vapour is located above the liquefiedgas fuel and within an upper part of the pressure vessel. A vapouroutlet in the form of a vapour outlet valve assembly may be attached tothe upper part of the pressure vessel.

The quantity of liquefied gas fuel within a pressure vessel may bedetermined using a liquid-level gauge in the form of a floatlevel-gauge, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1 and generallyindicated by the numeral 10. The float level-gauge of FIG. 1 is aROCHESTER brand float-level gauge which is used with LPG bulk storagetanks, however other examples include TAYLOR and COTRAKO brand floatgauges. The float level-gauge comprises a float 12 connected to a stem14 via a movable joint 16, and a head 18 from which the stem 14 depends.The head 18 is shown in further detail in a top perspective view thereofin FIG. 2. The float level-gauge 10 penetrates a pressure vessel walland the head 18 is externally attached thereto with fasteners in theform of bolts that pass through bolt passageways 20 to a flange or othersuitable mount that is integrated with the pressure vessel, for exampleby welds or screws. A seal that surrounds the penetrating stem 14 may besandwiched between the head 18 and a flange integrated with the pressurevessel wall.

The float 12 follows the interface between the liquefied gas fuel andthe vapour thereof. A magnet located at the head 18 is operationallycoupled to the float 12. Movement of the float 12 is transmitted to themagnet via a gear system at the joint 16. Vertical movement of the float12 is transformed to a rotation of the magnet at the head 18, andconsequently a rotation of the magnet's magnetic field. The magnet ismounted to rotate around the stem axis. Generally, the magnetic fieldmay be followed by a user visible external needle, the orientation ofwhich may indicate the height of the float and the interface that thefloat follows. The use of the magnet enables measurement of the quantityof liquefied gas fuel within the pressure vessel while maintaining ahigh strength seal, enhancing safety.

While the description above specifically mentions liquefied gas fuel,the description may generally apply for any suitable type of liquidwithin a vessel that may or may not be pressurised, for exampleliquefied ammonia, cryogenic liquids including liquefied natural gas andliquefied permanent gases, and refined petroleum products includingpetrol, kerosene, and fuel oil.

The pressure within a vessel may be measured with a pressure gauge. Thepressure within a vessel containing a non-liquefied permeant gas in itsgaseous state, for example, may be read to determine the quantity of gasremaining in vessel.

When a user observes that a gauge indicates that the contents of avessel is low, the user may contact a supply company to refill thevessel.

Natural gas is generally delivered to a premises via a service lineconnected to the gas mains. A gas meter may be inserted in the serviceline to determine the quantity of gas that has been consumed at thepremises for billing and other purposes.

Premises may have a plurality of LPG cylinders onsite. An LPG gaschangeover valve may control which of the plurality of gas cylinders isconnected to a gas outlet. A person may order a gas delivery when abottle is depleted and the LPG case changeover valve switches to anothercylinder.

Electronic devices may interface with gauges, gas meters, an automaticchangeover valves for example. There may be a need to do at least one ofthe following:

-   -   activating and deactivating an electronic device    -   determine whether an electronic device is oriented correctly    -   determine whether an electronic device and/or vessel or valve        attached thereto has been tampered with    -   track the position of a vessel.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a telemetric electronic device including an interface forattaching the electronic device to a tank or meter, a processor, atransmitter coupled to the processor, and an accelerometer coupled tothe processor, wherein the accelerometer is configured to detectorientation of the electronic device and wherein the processor isconfigured to specify at least one particular orientation of theelectronic device when it is attached to the tank or meter.

Further disclosed is a telemetric electronic device including aninterface for attaching the telemetric electronic device to a tank ormeter, a processor, a transmitter coupled to the processor and anaccelerometer coupled to the processor, the accelerometer configured todetect orientation of the telemetric electronic device, wherein theprocessor is configured to specify at least one particular orientationof the telemetric electronic device for when the device is attached tothe tank or meter at a stationary location, the tank or meter beingconfigured for use at the stationary location. The device can thereforebe transported pre-attached to a tank or meter, and then arrive at astationary location where the use of the tank or meter is intended atthe stationary location still pre-attached to the tank or meter, or thedevice can be attached at the location. The orientation of a devicewhich is attached to a tank or meter at the tank's or meter's locationof use is therefore determined. The telemetric device further includes aGNSS receiver coupled to the processor, the GNSS receiver beingconfigured to generate GNSS information, wherein the accelerometer isconfigured to generate acceleration information and wherein theprocessor is configured to trigger acquisition and transmission of GNSSinformation in response to acceleration information when a detectedorientation of the telemetric electronic device is the same or the samewithin tolerances as the processor specified orientation information.

Moreover, disclosed is a telemetric electronic device including aninterface for attaching the telemetric electronic device to a tank ormeter, a processor, a transmitter coupled to the processor and anaccelerometer coupled to the processor and wherein the processor isconfigured to poll the accelerometer when the device is attached to thetank or meter at a stationary location, the tank or meter beingconfigured for use at the stationary location.

Additionally is disclosed a method of a telemetric electronic deviceconfigured with an interface for attaching the telemetric electronicdevice to a tank or meter, the device comprising a processor, atransmitter coupled to the processor, an accelerometer coupled to theprocessor, a transmitter, and a GNSS receiver coupled to the processorwherein the method includes the processor polling the accelerometer forpolling information when the device is attached to the tank or meter ata stationary location, the tank or meter being configured for use at thestationary location, the processor comparing acceleration informationwith stored orientation information to determine if the orientation ofthe device is the same or the same within tolerances of storedorientation information, the processor triggering acquisition andtransmission of GNSS information by the GNSS receiver in response toacceleration information when the detected orientation of the telemetricelectronic device is the same or the same within tolerances as theprocessor specified orientation information and the processor triggeringtransmitting GNSS information.

Also disclosed is a telemetric electronic device wherein the at leastone particular orientation has a range or tolerance associated thereto.Additionally, disclosed is a telemetric electronic device wherein whenthe accelerometer detects an orientation which does not satisfy at leastone particular orientation, the processor is configured to not switchfrom a current mode to another mode and wherein when the accelerometerdetects an orientation which does satisfy at least one particularorientation, the processor is configured to switch from a current modeto another mode. Furthermore, disclosed is a telemetric electronicdevice including a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivercoupled to the processor, the GNSS receiver being configured to generateGNSS information and wherein the processor is configured to triggeracquisition and transmission of GNSS information when the processorswitches from a current mode to another mode.

Also, disclosed is a telemetric electronic device including a GNSSreceiver coupled to the processor, the GNSS receiver being configured togenerate GNSS information wherein the processor is configured to triggeracquisition and transmission of GNSS information in response toaccelerometer information. Furthermore, disclosed is a telemetricelectronic device wherein the processor is configured to poll theaccelerometer. Additionally, disclosed is a telemetric electronic devicewherein the accelerometer is configured to detect accelerationconsistent with movement that reaches a threshold and wherein theprocessor is configured to trigger sending acceleration information bythe transmitter when the movement reaches the threshold. Moreover,disclosed is a telemetric electronic device wherein movement thatreaches a threshold corresponds to one of a usage event, a fillingevent, a natural event, a tapping event, a cylinder swap event, anactivation event, a scheduled event, a movement event, and anorientation change. Also, disclosed is a telemetric electronic deviceincluding at least one sensor for sensing the state of a tank or meter.Still further disclosed is a telemetric electronic device including atleast one sensor for sensing the usage of a tank or meter.

Also disclosed is a telemetric electronic device, including an interfacefor attaching the electronic device to a tank or meter, a processor, atransmitter coupled to the processor; and an accelerometer coupled tothe processor, wherein the processor is configured to poll theaccelerometer. Also disclosed is a telemetric electronic device whereinthe processor being configured to poll or monitor the accelerometercomprises monitoring the accelerometer at least one of continually,periodically, randomly, fixed intervals, repeating intervals, regularly,and progressively. Disclosed is a telemetric electronic device whereinthe processor is configured to poll the accelerometer.

Moreover, disclosed is a telemetric electronic device including aninterface for attaching the electronic device to a tank or meter, aprocessor, a transmitter coupled to the processor and an accelerometercoupled to the processor, the accelerometer is configured to detectacceleration consistent with movement that reaches a threshold andwherein the processor is configured to trigger sending accelerationinformation by the transmitter when the movement reaches the threshold.Additionally, disclosed is a telemetric electronic device whereinmovement that reaches a threshold corresponds to one of a usage event, afilling event, a natural event, a tapping event, a cylinder swap event,an activation event, a scheduled event, a movement event, and anorientation change.

Furthermore, disclosed herein is an electronic device having a pluralityof modes. The electronic device comprises an accelerometer configured togenerate accelerometer information, for example, when the electronicdevice is tapped. The electronic device comprises a processor configuredto switch from a first mode of the plurality of modes to a second modeof the plurality of modes, for example, in response to the accelerometerinformation satisfying an acceleration condition.

In an embodiment, the acceleration condition comprises at least one of:

the accelerometer information is indicative of a plurality of taps,movement or orientation, the state of the asset, and/or the usage of theasset, which can be indicative of usage or state of the tank or meter orasset, which may correspond to one of a usage event, a filling event, anatural event, a tapping event, a cylinder swap event, an activationevent, a scheduled event, a movement event, and an orientation change;

the accelerometer information is indicative of a tap on a selectedsurface of the electronic device or any other movement or orientationmisalignment or change;

the accelerometer information is indicative of a predefined sequence oftaps on a plurality of surfaces of the electronic device or any othermovement or orientation misalignment or change.

In an embodiment, the accelerometer is configured to switch from one ofthe plurality of modes to another one of the plurality of modes inresponse to the accelerometer information satisfying anotheracceleration condition. The acceleration condition and the otheracceleration condition may be the same.

In an embodiment, the processor is configured to switch to the secondmode in response to the accelerometer information satisfying a firstacceleration condition.

In an embodiment, the processor is configured to switch to the firstmode in response to the accelerometer information satisfying a secondacceleration condition.

In an embodiment, the processor is configured to trigger sending of atamper alert in response to the accelerometer information satisfying atamper acceleration condition.

In an embodiment, the processor is configured to switch in response tothe accelerometer information satisfying an orientation condition.

In an embodiment, the first mode and the second mode each comprise oneof a production mode, a transport mode, a commissioning mode, anoperational mode, and a decommissioned mode. There may be other modes,or less modes.

An embodiment comprises a GNSS receiver for generating GNSS information.The processor may be configured to trigger sending of the GNSSinformation. The processor may be configured to trigger sending of theGNSS information in response to the processor switching modes.

In an embodiment, the processor is configured to trigger sending theaccelerometer information.

Disclosed herein is an electronic device. The electronic devicecomprises an accelerometer configured to generate accelerometerinformation when the electronic device is tampered with. The electronicdevice comprises a processor configured to trigger sending a tamperalert in response to the accelerometer information satisfying a tamperacceleration condition.

Disclosed herein is an electronic device. The electronic devicecomprises a GNSS system for generating GNSS information. The electronicdevice comprises a processor configured to trigger sending of the GNSSinformation.

Any embodiment described above may be for a gauge attached on a vessel,and may comprise a telemetric fitting for a level-gauge sensor attachedto a vessel. Alternatively, any embodiment described above may be for agas meter, and may comprise a telemetric fitting for a gas meter.Alternatively, any embodiment described above may be for an automaticchangeover valve, and may comprise a telemetric fitting for an automaticchangeover valve.

Disclosed herein is an electronic device. The electronic devicecomprises a GNSS receiver. The electronic device comprises anaccelerometer for detecting movement of the electronic device andtriggering generation of GNSS information by the GNSS receiver inresponse to movement being detected thereby.

Disclosed herein is an electronic device comprising an accelerometer anda GNNS receiver for generating GNSS information, the accelerometer beingfor detection of movement of the electronic device and triggering thesending of GNSS information.

Disclosed herein is a method of changing the mode of an electronicdevice having plurality of modes. The method comprises generatingaccelerometer information when the electronic device is tapped. Themethod comprises switching from a first mode of the plurality of modesto a second mode of the plurality of modes in response to theaccelerometer information satisfying an acceleration condition.

In an embodiment, the acceleration condition comprises at least one of:

the accelerometer information is indicative of a plurality of taps;

the accelerometer information is indicative of a tap on a selectedsurface of the electronic device;

the accelerometer information is indicative of a predefined sequence oftaps on a plurality of surfaces of the electronic device.

An embodiment comprises switching to the second mode in response to theaccelerometer information satisfying a first acceleration condition.

An embodiment comprises switching to the mode in response to theaccelerometer information satisfying a second acceleration condition.

An embodiment comprises sending a tamper alert in response to theaccelerometer information satisfying a tamper acceleration condition.

An embodiment comprises switching only in response to the accelerometerinformation satisfying an orientation condition.

In an embodiment, the first mode and the second mode each comprise oneof a production mode, a transport mode, a commissioning mode, anoperational mode, and a decommissioned mode.

An embodiment comprises sending GNSS information in response toswitching from one mode to another mode.

An embodiment comprises sending the accelerometer information.

Disclosed herein is an electronic device having a plurality of modes.The electronic device comprises an accelerometer configured to generateaccelerometer information when the electronic device is accelerated. Theelectronic device comprises a processor configured to switch from afirst mode of the plurality of modes to a second mode of the pluralityof modes in response to the accelerometer information satisfying anacceleration condition.

The acceleration may due to a natural event, for example an earthquake.Alternatively, the acceleration may be induced.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising generating accelerometerinformation when an electronic device is tampered with and sending atamper alert in response to the acceleration information satisfying atamper acceleration condition.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising generating GNSS information foran electronic device, and triggering the sending of the GNSSinformation.

Disclosed herein is non-transitory processor readable tangible mediaincluding program instructions which when executed by a processor causesthe processor to perform a method disclosed above.

Disclosed herein is a computer program for instructing a processor,which when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform amethod disclosed above.

Any of the various features of each of the above disclosures, and of thevarious features of the embodiments described below, can be combined assuitable and desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with referenceto the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view an example of a prior art floatlevel-gauge.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of a head of the float level-gaugeof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an electronic device on a vessel.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of example electronics for theelectronic device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows the electronic device of FIG. 3 being tapped.

FIG. 6 shows a chart of accelerometer information generated by theelectronic device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows the electronic device of FIG. 3 incorrectly attached on theside of a tank.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of an electronic device on a gas meterbeing tampered with.

FIG. 9 shows a screen shot of a generated map on which is overlaid GNNSinformation generated by the electronic device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an electronic device 58 comprisingan automatic changeover valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a telemetric electronic device, thetelemetric electronic device being generally indicated by the numeral30. The electronic device is for a gauge 34 attached on a vessel 32 andcomprises a telemetric unit or fitting for a level-gauge sensor 34attached to the vessel 32 for measuring the level 33 of a fluid in thevessel 32. The vessel 32 is in this embodiment a pressure vessel in theform of a LPG bulk storage tank, but the vessel may alternatively be anyof a cylinder or a tank for any suitable fluid, examples of whichinclude liquefied gas fuel, liquefied ammonia, cryogenic liquidsincluding liquefied natural gas and liquefied permanent gases, water,solutions, liquid chemicals, and refined petroleum products includingpetrol, kerosene, and fuel oil. Furthermore, the tank can be referred toas an asset, wherein the asset can be, for example, any fuel handlingand storage systems. While a magnetically enabled float gauge fuel-levelsensor system is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is understood that afluid-level or fuel-level sensing device can be enabled by any type oftechnology, for example, ultra-sound/ultrasonic, optical, pressure,ammeters, voltmeters, and any other type of sensor system and anyfluid-level detection is within the scope of this discussion.

For example, alternative embodiments described in further detail belowinclude:

-   -   an electronic device for a pressure gauge    -   an electronic device for a gas meter, which may comprise a        telemetric fitting for the gas meter    -   an electronic device comprising an automatic changeover valve.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of example electronics 36 in the formof a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) within the electronic device30, the electronics comprising a plurality of electronic systems 40, 42,44, 46 50 mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 38. Mounted on thePCB 38 is a MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) accelerometer 40, aGNSS receiver 44, a radio 46, and a processor 42 in the form of amicro-controller unit in communication with each of the other pluralityof modules 40, 44, 46. A power source in the form of a battery isgenerally included. Each of the radio 46 and the GNSS receiver comprisean antenna 48, 50.

The accelerometer 40 is in the form of a micro-machined device that candetect physical acceleration in 1, 2 or 3 axis and provides an analogueand/or digital signal encoding an acceleration vector (i.e. magnitudeand direction). The accelerometer 40 can be used for orientation andmotion detection. The acceleration vectors from the accelerometer can beintegrated once (with respect to time) to obtain velocity, and doubleintegrated to provide a distance vector.

The GNSS receiver 44 detects signals from a constellation of satellitesin Earth orbit (generally from one or more of the GPS, GLONASS, Galileoand Beidou constellations) to determine the geographic position of theGNSS receiver on Earth which is encoded in GNSS information. The GNSSinformation may include other information, for example time. Theabsolute position data gathered over time can be summed to obtain adistance vector. The distance vector can be differentiated once (withrespect to time) to obtain a velocity vector, and it's differentiatedtwice to obtain an acceleration vector. These vectors are generallyabsolute vectors with respect to Earth.

The GNSS receiver 44 comprises a System on Module (SoM), or a singleintegrated circuit (IC) with peripheral components, each with one ormore antenna front end circuits. The antenna 50 may be a circuitcomponent on the SoM or the PCB 38, or it may be connected via aconnector for placement further from the main circuitry or external ofhousing.

The radio 46 is for wireless transmission of information at radiofrequencies. The radio 46 wirelessly transmits the GNSS information andthe accelerometer information to a remote computer system in the form ofcomputer server via a communications network. The computer server may bereal or virtual. The radio encapsulates a string of symbols encoding theinformation in accordance with a communications protocol andsubsequently sends the encapsulated string of symbols, together withidentification information indicative of the identification of theelectronic device 30. The radio 46 comprises at least one of a mediumrange radio network interface and a long range radio network interface.Medium-to-long range wireless links enables transmission to centraliseddata centres, for example, using either private and/or commercial radiobase stations. In this embodiment, the radio network interface comprisesa low power wide area network (LPWAN) interface. The LPWAN interfacecomprises a low-power wide area network radio (LPWAN) integratedcircuit. An LPWAN is a type of wireless communications network formedium to long range communications at bit rates which are generally,but not necessarily, low, and has low power consumption when compared tocellular communication technologies for voice and high bandwidth dataservices. Examples of LPWAN include but are not limited to LoRa, andSIGFOX. The LPWAN radio integrated circuit may be within a LPWAN radiomodule. The range achieved LPWAN depends on many factors, including thepresence of obstacles in the transmission path, but ranges of more than5 km are common, for example 5-10 km.

Alternative embodiments may have a radio comprising another type ofmedium range radio network interface or long range radio networkinterface, for example a cellular radio network interface (examples ofwhich include but are not limited to GSM, CDMA, and LTE cellular radionetwork interfaces), IEEE 802.11 interface (“Wi-Fi”) and a satellitecommunications interface.

The electronic device 30 has a plurality of modes, in this embodiment atleast two modes, however alternative embodiments may have 3, 4, 5 ormore modes. As indicated below, modes and states are usedinterchangeably herein. Terms such as a “first mode” and a “second mode”have been used to describe different modes of the disclosed device. Itis understood that a first mode and a second mode may also be referredto as a “current mode” and “another mode” as well. The list of modes orstates provided herein is not to be taken as all inclusive. Any modes orstates are within the scope of this discussion. There may be adistinction between a sensor sensing the state of the tank or meter orasset and a sensor sensing the usage of the tank or meter or asset. Thesensors may be any suitable sensors. Different modes or states may applyto a sensor sensing the state of the tank or meter or asset and a sensorsensing the usage of the tank or meter or asset. The accelerometer 40 isconfigured to generate accelerometer information when the electronicdevice is oriented, moved, polled or tapped, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

As discussed above, the accelerometer 40 can be used for orientation andmotion detection and any other suitable function. As discussed below,the processor in the electronic device 30 can be configured to specify aparticular location and orientation for the device to be attached to thetank 32. Also discussed below, the accelerometer can be used todetermine the orientation of the electronic device 30 with respect tothe direction with respect to the ground and the electronic device'sapproximate position on the tank can be inferred. For example, asdescribed below, if the electronic device is specified to be attached tothe top surface of the tank facing up, but it is incorrectly attached tothe side surface of the tank, the incorrect orientation may be detectedby the accelerometer and the processor, polling the accelerometer candetermine that the orientation is incorrect. That is, upon installationon the tank or meter, the asset, if when polled or monitored, theaccelerometer generates accelerometer information which provides anorientation of the device on the tank or meter that is not the same asor the same within tolerances, the processor may not trigger acquisitionand transmission of GNSS information by the GNSS receiver.Alternatively, if the accelerometer information provides an orientationof the device on the tank or meter upon installation that is the same asor the same within tolerances, the processor may not trigger acquisitionand transmission of GNSS information by the GNSS receiver. Accordingly,a local (mobile) device and/or a remote server may report either no GNSSsignal sent, or an affirmation of a signal sent which can include thecoordinates determined by the GNSS receiver to verify that the devicehas been properly installed and that it is in a particular location. Inthis way, a local distribution worker, or a remote server centre maydetermine that the device has the correct orientation on the tank ormeter, and/or receive location coordinates. Also discussed below is, forexample, the processor 42 may not switch to an operational orcommissioning mode, for example, when the accelerometer informationindicates that the electronic device 30 is not correctly oriented, forexample, upright, for example, within a range or tolerance. For example,as mentioned, different orientations during transport and installationare specified to deactivate the electronic device 30 during transport.Also, as mentioned below, the processor 42 can be configured to switchmodes in response to the accelerometer information satisfying anorientation condition.

In another embodiment, the orientation can be detected as a smalldeviation from a reference orientation which can be stored informationon the processor. A determination can be made by the manufacturer as toa range or tolerance associated with a reference orientation, where ifthe detected orientation of an installed telemetric electronic deviceexceeds the range or tolerance, the device may not operate correctlywhich could be dependent upon the liquid-level or fuel-level sensortype. For example, an ultra-sound sensor may be highly dependent uponthe orientation of the device with respect to the liquid-level surface.Accordingly, the at least one particular orientation may have a range ortolerance associated thereto, possibly less than 1 degree or more than 1degree from a reference orientation. For example, if at least oneparticular orientation, perpendicular to the ground referenceorientation is stored on the processor, the device can be configured toswitch from a current mode to another mode when the accelerometerdetects that orientation. In that case, the orientation satisfies atleast one particular orientation which is stored in the processor. Inthe event that the accelerometer detects and orientation that is notstored in the processor, the device may not switch from a current modeto another. In that case, the accelerometer detects an orientation whichdoes not satisfy at least one particular orientation which is stored inthe processor.

As mentioned above, an accelerometer is coupled to the processor,wherein the accelerometer is configured to detect accelerationconsistent with movement that reaches a threshold and wherein theprocessor is configured to trigger sending acceleration information bythe transmitter when the movement reaches the threshold. A thresholdcondition may be consistent with a tamper event. For example, a personmay try to remove the device from the asset. For example, a tampercondition may be satisfied if the acceleration information indicatesthat a particular threshold has been met which may be caused by a sharpblow or shock that has been delivered to the device 30, or theorientation of the device 30 has unexpectedly changed, or the device 30has been moved. Under various conditions, an accelerometer will“interrupt” the processor to wake up. The processor can then query theaccelerometer for the condition that caused the interrupt such as atamper condition. On the other hand, the processor can poll theaccelerometer for its condition, not having been awakened by theaccelerometer. In this particular embodiment, the processor isconfigured to poll the accelerometer of the device when the device isattached to the tank or meter at a stationary location, the use of thetank or meter being intended at the stationary location. The processorbeing configured to monitor the accelerometer in one embodiment includesat least one of continually, periodically, randomly, at fixed intervals,at repeating intervals, regularly, and progressively. In one embodimentmonitoring can include continuously, however, the meaning ofcontinuously typically connotes without interruption or gaps and suchwould be a battery drain. Therefore, the processor may either monitorthe processor continuously within the normal definition of the termbeing without interruption or gaps, and/or the processor may monitorwith interruptions or gaps which, for example, would be to poll theaccelerometer. Polling the accelerometer which can include at least oneof continually, periodically, randomly, at fixed intervals, at repeatingintervals, regularly, and progressively, may avoid excessive batterydrain. The device can be transported pre-attached to a tank or meter,and then arrive at a stationary location where the use of the tank ormeter is intended at the stationary location still pre-attached to thetank or meter or the device can be attached to the tank or meter at thatparticular location, where the use of the tank or meter is intended. Theorientation of a device which is attached to a tank or meter at thetank's or meter's location of use is therefore determined by orientationspecified by the processor.

The stationary location where the tank or meter is configured for use atthe stationary location may be the ultimate customer's location. A tankor meter may be installed at the location, with fittings for example, tobring the contents of an asset for use at that location. As mentioned,tanks and meters are used with fuels, for example, as utilities. A tankor meter at a location for use at the stationary location may be hookedup for services, or may be not hooked up for services. The notion of thestationary location is the geographical place where the tank or metercan or will be used for utility services, regardless of whether the tankor meter is fully installed at the stationary location. This notion ofthe stationary location is differentiated from when the device is intransport, either individually or pre-attached to a tank or meter.

Polling of the device can be to ascertain various conditions of thedevice and or the tank or meter, as opposed to those conditions that maycause the accelerometer to provide an “interrupt” signal to theprocessor to wake up the processor so that it can query theaccelerometer for acceleration information. Polling may take place atfor example, 30-second intervals, 1-minute intervals or for example at30-minute intervals. Battery usage may provide guidance to the frequencyand/or the intervals or randomness of the polling. The polling mayinitiated by an interrupt caused by a different source other than theaccelerometer as discussed herein. For example, the processor mayreceive a remote signal via a receiver requiring polling of theaccelerometer, where polling can include a one-off, single or individualquery to the accelerometer as well, and/or a limited number of queries.Also, when the device changes from a current mode or state to anothermode or state, the processor may initiate polling of the accelerometeras discussed.

The orientation may match the orientation stored on the processor, or itmay not. If is does then the processor is configured to triggeracquisition and transmission of GNSS information in response toacceleration information when the detected orientation of the telemetricelectronic device is the same or the same within tolerances as theprocessor specified orientation information, wherein this describedprocess may be dependent on its current mode or state. If theorientation acceleration information does not match the orientationstored on the processor, for example, a warning that the device does nothave the processor specified orientation may be provided. The problemmay be with the orientation of the device on the tank or meter, or itmay be with the orientation of the tank or meter. In any case, if theorientation provided by the acceleration information does not match theorientation information stored on the processor, the processor may nottrigger acquisition and transmission of GNSS information by the GNSSreceiver. The detected orientation may however, be delivered,transmitted or otherwise reported so that a technician may correct theorientation.

As disclosed, the processor is configured to specify at least oneparticular orientation of the telemetric electronic device wherein whenthe device is attached to the tank or meter at a stationary location,the use of the tank or meter is intended at the stationary location, theprocessor can poll the accelerometer to determine various conditions asdescribed herein, and in particular, the orientation of the device, andwhen they meet conditions specified by the processor, for example, theGNSS can be triggered for acquisition and transmission of GNSSinformation in response to that acceleration information, or otherfunctions of the device may be initiated. For example, other functionsthat may be initiated include for example, reporting usage informationof the tank or meter. The described installation process, whereorientation is determined which will determine if the device is properlyinstalled, or if there is a problem with the orientation of the deviceor of the tank or meter, and when the orientation conditions specifiedby the processor are the same or within tolerances, the GNSS can betriggered for acquisition and transmission of GNSS information inresponse to that acceleration information.

While FIG. 5 shows the electronic device 30, in one embodiment, to wakeup the processor, being physically tapped with a finger 52, it will beappreciated that the electronic device may be configured to detectacceleration consistent with movement that reaches a threshold, whereinthe processor can be configured to trigger sending accelerationinformation by the transmitter when the movement reaches the threshold.In such a case, the accelerometer will send an “interrupt” signal to theprocessor that something has been detected. The processor can then querythe accelerometer for acceleration information to match the accelerationinformation with data stored on the processor which indicates that aparticular event has taken place, such as a tamper event, or a wake-upevent. An example of such a movement may occur when the electronicdevice is tapped with any object suitable for gently striking the deviceand imparting a detectable shock thereto, typically a short sharp shock,for example by using a mallet, screwdriver, wand or custom-designedimplement in an effort, for example, by a user to change the device'smode or state from a current mode to another mode. The processor 42receives the accelerometer information and is configured to switch froma current or one mode (the “first mode”) of the plurality of modes toanother mode (“the second mode”) of the plurality of modes in responseto the accelerometer information satisfying an acceleration conditionwhich is the reaching of a threshold. As mentioned below, there may bean acceleration threshold that must be reached before the processoracknowledges a tap. It should be understood that referring to two modesas the “first mode” and the “second mode” does not imply that the firstmode always chronologically precedes the second mode (there may becircumstances in which the second mode precedes the first mode), nordoes it imply that the first mode is more important than the secondmode, nor does it imply that plurality of modes consists of only twomodes.

The acceleration condition may generally be any suitable or relevantacceleration condition, as discussed above, however some examples ofaccelerometer conditions include but are not limited to:

-   -   the accelerometer information is indicative of a plurality of        taps;    -   the accelerometer information is indicative of a tap on a        selected surface of the electronic device; and    -   the accelerometer information is indicative of a predefined        sequence of taps on a plurality of surfaces of the electronic        device.

Detecting, for example, a double tap, a tap on a selected surface, or apredefined sequence of taps on a plurality of surfaces of the electronicdevice 30 may reduce the number of false positive detections whencompared with a single tap. These detection protocols may be programmedinto the electronic device firmware or software, for example.

FIG. 6 is a chart of the accelerometer information generated by theaccelerometer when tapped twice by the single finger 52. A tapping eventgenerally generates a particular acceleration profile which may bedetected, and thereby acceleration threshold conditions may be matchedto one or more of those stored in or by the processor, such indicativeof various types of events as described above. The vertical axis isacceleration and the horizontal axis is time. It will be appreciatedhowever that the accelerometer information may comprise information fortwo or three acceleration axis. The analysis lines in FIG. 1 indicatethe time periods in which the processor looks for the two taps. Theremay also an acceleration threshold that must be reached before theprocessor acknowledges a tap.

The processor is configured to switch to the second mode in response tothe accelerometer information satisfying a first or particularacceleration condition. The processor is, in this but not allembodiments, configured to switch to the first mode in response to theaccelerometer information satisfying a second acceleration condition.For example, the first mode and the second mode may each comprise one ofa production mode, a transport mode, a commissioning mode, anoperational mode, and a decommissioned mode, however other embodimentsmay have more or less modes. The processor is configured a switch fromone mode or state to another mode or state in response to a particularacceleration condition being satisfied. For example, the processor 42may switch from production mode to transport mode, transport mode ordecommissioned mode to commissioning mode, commissioning mode tooperational mode, and operational mode to decommissioned mode. Beforecommissioning, the electronic device 30 is in a low power consumptionmode to conserve power, which also reduces or inhibits transmission. Insome embodiments, the processor 42 is inactive or not powered in thetransport and/or decommissioned mode and the accelerometer triggers theprocessor 42 to become active when the accelerometer detects one or moretaps, for example a double tap.

Various orientation, movement and acceleration conditions may occur forwhich thresholds may apply to indicate various conditions such as thestate of the asset or tank or meter, or the usage of the asset or tankor meter. For example, the thresholds may be determined based uponempirical testing by the manufacturer. In one example, the processor 42is configured to trigger the sending of a tamper alert in response tothe accelerometer information satisfying a tamper accelerationcondition, generally but not necessarily in the operational mode. Forexample, the tamper condition may be satisfied if the accelerationinformation indicates a sharp blow or shock has been delivered to thedevice 30, or the orientation of the device 30 has unexpectedly changed,or the device 30 has been moved. FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of anelectronic device 54 for a gas meter 56 being tampered with. Theelectronic device 54 has identical or similar electronics 36 to theembodiment 30. A change in orientation and/or accelerations consistentwith movement of the electronic device 54 is detected by the processorand a tamper alert or earthquake alert in the form of a message is sentto a computer server for processing. The remote computer system may sendan email or SMS alert, or generally any suitable type of electronicalert, to a person, for example a technician, in response to tamperingbeing detected.

In another example, the electronic device may be installed on an assetor tank or meter correctly, and then over time, may slowly move so thatits orientation is not within tolerances for performance For example, asmentioned, the processor may be configured to poll, monitor, detect orsurvey output of the accelerometer, which in this context may be one of,for example, continually, periodically, randomly, fixed intervals,repeating intervals, regularly, and progressively. In this way, theprocessor may poll the accelerometer for accelerometer information in amanner depending for example, on its mode or state. For example, it maypoll the accelerometer at installation. The device may determine thatinstallation has taken place by a waking procedure. Otherwise, while thedevice is in one or one or more different states, it may poll theaccelerometer. The frequency of the polling may be determined by itsstate wherein particular acceleration information would be moreimportant in one state or another state.

As mentioned, the disclosed telemetric electronic device may beconfigured for installation on the top of a tank, or on the side of atank wherein, the processor may be configured to specify that thetelemetric electronic device is to be attached to the top surface of thetank facing up or on the side of the tank. It is understood, that anyposition for installation is within the scope of this discussion, andmay the position for installation may include, for example, theunderside of the tank. FIG. 7 for example, shows the electronic device30 incorrectly attached on the side of a tank 32, instead of at the topof the tank as shown in FIG. 3. This incorrect orientation may haveoccurred at installation, in which case the device may not move into anoperational mode or state. On the other hand, the device may have movedquickly or slowly, wherein the processor polling the accelerometer fororientation information, would determine that the orientation of thedevice has changed, and therefore, initiate an alert state, for example.

In another embodiment of the electronic device (not shown) the devicemay be a single unit, for example, resemble a tower, cylinder, box orany shape, being a single unit or piece having the electronic componentshoused in a unitary arrangement and not including two pieces (see thefigures) wherein one piece is connected to the gauge head and by a wireor lead attached to the housing in which the electronics is housed. Thatis, the electronic device may be a single fitting designed to sit on topof the gauge head. In one embodiment, the electronic device may bedesigned so that it can be attached to the side of the tank or meter oron top of the tank or meter. In practice, a telemetric electronic devicecan be assigned to a tank or meter at a particular location at amerchant's facility, prior to its delivery to the tank or meter at thelocation. A gas distribution delivery professional may install thetelemetric electronic device on a tank or meter at the location out inthe field during the course of deliveries, for example. The processormay be pre-programmed to expect that the device will be installed on theside of a tank or meter, and therefore, the orientation of the device,if upright, may be known to the processor as it polls the accelerometerfor orientation information upon installation. Upon installation, thedevice may become aware of installation for example, through taps asmentioned above. Also, a tool including a magnet held close to an on/offswitch may make the device aware of installation. If at installation,the orientation which is expected to be on the side of a tank or meter,is actually upright, when the processor polls the accelerometer anddetermines that the orientation is incorrect, the processor may notproceed into an operational state, and may instead provide a messagelocally and/or to a remote server that the orientation is not correct.

As discussed, the processor can be configured to specify at least oneparticular orientation for the electronic device when it is attached tothe tank or meter and wherein the accelerometer is configured to detecta change in the orientation of the electronic device such that thetelemetric electronic device is not within at least one particularorientation has a range or tolerance associated thereto. For example, ifthe device were attached in the correct orientation, but was off by, forexample one degree, and therefore not within range or tolerances, thedevice would not switch into operational mode. If on the other hand, thedevice is installed having an expected orientation within tolerances,the device may switch to an operational mode. Accordingly, when theaccelerometer detects an orientation which does not satisfy at least oneparticular orientation, the processor is configured to not switch from acurrent mode to another mode and wherein when the accelerometer detectsan orientation which does satisfy at least one particular orientation,the processor is configured to switch from a current mode to anothermode.

When the processor switches from a current mode to another mode, forexample, when the accelerometer detects an orientation which doessatisfy at least one particular orientation, the processor may beconfigured to trigger acquisition and transmission of GNSS information,for example, so that the location of the device may be confirmed. Theprocessor can trigger the GNSS receiver to generate GNSS informationunder other conditions as well as mentioned. For example, triggering theGNSS receiver to generate GNSS information may occur in at least one ofthe transport, operational, commissioning, or decommissioned modes, forexample. Modern accelerometers have very low “sleep” current whereas aGNSS receiver may not draw such a low current (relative to 10+yroperation on a small primary battery). Thus, using the accelerometer tocontinuously detect a possible tank relocation and only triggering theGNSS to qualify that the tank has been moved, may or may not result in avery significant saving in battery energy. This provides near-immediatelocation-change notification, as opposed to an alternative approach toreducing battery usage which involves triggering the GNSS on aninfrequent basis, say monthly, by having long periods between GNSSperiods of operation to achieve at least 10 years of operation when theelectronic device 30 is powered by a small on-board primary battery.

The device itself can be tracked whilst not mounted on the intendedtank/ACO/meter to track the device's location.

The acceleration information may also be sent by the radio 46 to theremote computing system so that a tank filling event or other event canbe detected.

The processor 42 is configured to switch modes only in response to theaccelerometer information satisfying an orientation condition. Asmentioned, FIG. 7 for example, shows the electronic device 30incorrectly attached on the side of a tank 32, instead of at the top ofthe tank as shown in FIG. 3. The accelerometer information indicatesthat the electronic device 30 is not upright. The processor in theelectronic device 30 specifies a particular location and orientation forthe device to be attached to the tank 32. The accelerometer can be usedto determine the orientation of the electronic device 30 with respect tothe direction towards the ground and the electronic device's approximateposition on the tank can be inferred. For example, if the electronicdevice is specified to be attached to the top surface of the tank facingup, but is incorrectly attached to the side surface of the tank, thecorrect orientation will be detected by the accelerometer. The processor42 will not switch to an operational or commissioning mode, for example,when the accelerometer information indicates that the electronic device30 is not correctly oriented, for example upright. For commissioning,the accelerometer 40 can be used to detect for the correct orientationof the electronic device 30 and to detect a tap sequence in the form ofa double-tap to initiate commissioning mode while in at least thetransport mode and the decommissioned mode, for example. That is, theprocessor is configured to specify a plurality of orientations,thresholds, and movements for the telemetric electronic device, forwhich when acceleration information is received, the processor isconfigured to interpret the accelerometer information, or in thealternative, initiate a message for transmission to a remote server forinterpretation of the accelerometer information. Other tap sequences maybe used as suitable. Different orientations during transport andinstallation are specified to deactivate the electronic device 30 duringtransport. Accordingly, the accelerometer is configured to detectacceleration consistent with movement that reaches a threshold and theprocessor is configured to trigger sending acceleration information bythe transmitter when the movement reaches the threshold, including forexample, one of a usage event, a filling event, a natural event, atapping event, a cylinder swap event, an activation event, a scheduledevent, a movement event, and an orientation change. The processor 42 isconfigured to trigger sending of the GNSS information and/or theaccelerometer information, for example in at least one of the transport,commissioning, operational and decommissioned modes, for example,wherein the device includes at least one sensor for sensing the state ofa tank or meter and/or at least one sensor for sensing the usage of atank or meter. The state of the tank or meter may be sensed, for exampleby a thermometer, a pressure gauge, and/or one or more accelerometers.The usage may be sensed by a float gauge, ultra-sound, magnetic and/oroptical sensors.

The processor 42 is configured to trigger sending the GNSS informationwhen the processor 42 switches modes or at pre-determined times, such asafter the correct orientation is determined at installation, asdiscussed above. The GNSS information is sent by the radio 46 to aremote computer system via the communications network. FIG. 9 shows ascreen shot of map generated by the remote computer system on which isoverlaid the GNSS information received thereby. The GNSS information isassociated with the correct site and tank within a data store in theform of a database accessible by the remote computer system. The datastore includes site and/or vessel information including a geographicindicator/reference of each site (most typically the site address orpost code). In some cases, the data store will also have a globalposition reference for each vessel, for example, in the form of latitudeand longitude values which are derived, for example, from a deliverytruck computer system, which is generally as used to efficientlyguide/route drivers to the correct tank to deliver gas.

The server then compares the GNSS information received from theelectronic device 30 with a position reference derived by the serverfrom the site address or post code, which may be done in any known way,including using a web service from Google. Association of site/tank toan electronic device 30 is automatic if the two positions are separatedby no more than a predetermined distance (for example, 50 m for a sitewith only one tank, less for one with multiple tanks). If there are noneor more than one candidate site or tank, then the server can present alist of candidate sites or tanks to the person to make a decision.

This association is relevant, for example, where the electronic device30 is being retro-fitted to a tank that is already installed/operationalas well as one that is yet to be installed on the consumer site. Anadded benefit in the latter case is that the device can be fitted at adepot before the vessel is delivered to a consumer's installation siteand does not require an additional site visit by a device installer oncethe tank is installed at the installation site. In this case the tankinstaller just activates the device before leaving the site.

This association method also applies to electronic devices other thanthose for LPG bulk storage tanks, including automatic changeover-valves,gas cylinders, meter reading units etc.

The processor 42 is configured to trigger sending the accelerometerinformation, for example to the remote computer system via thecommunications network. The acceleration information may be integratedby the remote computer system to determine velocity and then positioninformation, which may be overlaid on a map generated by the remotecomputer system.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an electronic device 58 comprisingan automatic changeover valve 60. The electronic device 58 has identicalor similar electronics 36 as the embodiment 30. The automatic changeovervalve 60 is connected to two liquefied gas fuel cylinders 62, 64 forplacing in fluid communication either one of the two liquefied gas fuelcylinders 62, 64 with a gas fuel outlet 66. The accelerometer within theelectronic device 58 senses acceleration caused by rotational motion orvibration 68 that occurs when the automatic changeover valve 60 placesthe full liquefied gas fuel cylinder (which is cylinder 64 in FIG. 10)in fluid communication with the gas fuel outlet 66 when the otherliquefied gas fuel cylinder (which is cylinder 62 in FIG. 10) isdepleted. The accelerometer information generated by the accelerometer40 is sent to the remote computer system via the communications networkfor logging this event. The remote computer system can promptly alertthe service provide to come and change the empty liquefied gas fuelcylinder 62. The acceleration information may also be sent for detectionof a cylinder swap event.

Embodiments may not have all the functions of the embodiment describedabove. For example, alternative embodiments do not variously switchmodes when tapped, do not detect tampering, and do not have a GNSSsystem.

An embodiment of a method of changing the mode of an electronic devicehaving a plurality of modes will now be described, which can beimplemented using the electronic device 30, for example. A stepcomprises generating accelerometer information when the electronicdevice is tapped. A step comprises switching from the first mode to asecond mode of the plurality of modes in response to the accelerometerinformation satisfying an acceleration condition.

Various embodiments of the method may optionally comprise any of thefollowing steps:

-   -   switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to        the accelerometer information satisfying a first acceleration        condition    -   switching from the second mode to the first mode in response to        the accelerometer information satisfying a second acceleration        condition    -   sending a tamper alert in response to the accelerometer        information satisfying a tamper acceleration condition    -   switching from one mode to another mode only in response to the        accelerometer information satisfying an orientation condition    -   sending GNSS information in response to switching from one mode        to another mode    -   sending the accelerometer information.

An embodiment of another method that can be implemented using theelectronic device 30 will now be described. The embodiment comprisesgenerating accelerometer information when an electronic device istampered with and sending a tamper alert when the accelerationinformation satisfies a tamper acceleration condition.

An embodiment of yet another method that can be implemented using theelectronic device 30 will now be described. The embodiment comprisinggenerating GNSS information for an electronic device, and triggering thesending of the GNSS information.

The electronic devices 30, 543, 58 comprise non-transitory processorreadable tangible media including program instructions which whenexecuted by a processor causes the processor to perform a methoddisclosed above. The tangible media comprises memory in the form ofnon-volatile memory in the form of flash memory, but may comprise a harddrive or generally any suitable form on non-volatile memory.

The electronic device 30,54, 58 comprise a computer program forinstructing a processor, which when executed by the processor causes theprocessor to perform a method disclosed above.

Summary of Example Modes

Production Mode

In production mode, any mode or functionality may be invoked, such as alow power mode and high power mode, sleep, wake, transmit and receivemodes, depending on the requirements of a test. For example, to measurethe power rail voltage level during high current use, a test system mayinvoke the device to transmit and then measure the power rail voltage.In other words, the test system sets up conditions for measurements forvalidating the hardware.

Specific configurations and identification information may also beprogrammed into the electronic device memory (which may reside in theprocessor 42 external memory in the form of, for example, Flash), suchas the unique device ID.

Transport Mode

In transport mode, all electronic components (ICs) in the device are inits lowest power mode, such as shutdown, sleep and low power mode,depending on the device's requirement, until an Activation event occurs.RF transmission is disabled in transport mode.

In transport mode, the accelerometer may be in its lowest output datarate (ODR) capable of detecting an Activation event. Upon detecting anActivation event, the accelerometer wakes up the micro-controller fortransition into the Commissioning state.

There are no scheduled events, and can only transition to the next statevia an Activation event.

Commissioning Mode

This is a temporary transitional state which may actually be implementedas a set of sequences or subroutines that occur, after an Activationevent, within the Transport state.

The device sends GNSS fix data, its unique ID, tank levels, installationorientation, etc., and any other relevant information that is requiredfor commissioning.

During this state, correct and incorrect installation orientation isdetected by the accelerometer and the GNSS fix is used to associate thedevice to tank and site.

After running through these predefined sequence of actions, the deviceautomatically transitions into the Operational state without furtherevents.

Operational Mode

Operational mode is generally but not necessarily, on average, thedevice's highest power mode. The various components in the electronicdevice toggle between high and low power modes depending on thefunctions they need to perform, such as data transmitting, receivingGNSS, gas level data sampling, etc. To conserve power, the device istypically in low power mode for most of the time, only going into higherpower modes for specific hardware components (ICs) that are necessaryfor the desired function, after which the components are put back intolower power modes.

In this mode, the electronic device performs data collection andtransmission and waits for RTC events and Decommissioning events.

If the device is switched in this mode, the accelerometer detects themovement and wakes up the GNSS receiver to track its travel and updatethe server of its new locations.

In the case of a gas meter installation, a mechanical tamper attempt isdetected by the accelerometer and an alarm is sent to the server.

Decommissioned Mode

In the decommissioned mode, the device is in low power mode in general,but may make regular, but infrequent, GNSS fix and transmit that data toalert the server of its location.

This mode may be entered into by Decommissioning event.

The device is generally transitioned out of this mode by an Activationevent.

Now that embodiments have been disclosed, it will be appreciated thatsome embodiments may have some of the following advantages:

-   -   In the case of a large scale deployment (large quantity of        devices, by numerous (unskilled) installers, in numerous        geographies) a method of activation that does not require        distribution of a custom activation tool and associated user        training in the use thereof is of significant benefit.

Variations and/or modifications may be made to the embodiments describedwithout departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. The presentembodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. Reference to a feature disclosedherein does not mean that all embodiments must include the feature.

Prior art, if any, described herein is not to be taken as an admissionthat the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in anyjurisdiction.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, thatis to specify the presence of the stated features but not to precludethe presence or addition of further features in various embodiments ofthe invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A telemetric electronic device for sensingcontents and usage, comprising: a vessel or meter is attached to thetelemetric electronic device through an interface; a processor; atransmitter coupled to the processor; and an accelerometer coupled tothe processor, the accelerometer configured to detect orientation of thetelemetric electronic device; wherein prior to installation of thetelemetric electronic device on the vessel or meter, the processor isconfigured to specify an installation orientation condition of thetelemetric electronic device specific to a specific orientation of thevessel or meter; wherein the accelerometer is configured to generateacceleration information; wherein when the accelerometer detects theorientation of the telemetric electronic device which does not satisfyat least one particular orientation, the processor is configured to notswitch from a current mode to another mode; and wherein when theaccelerometer detects the orientation of the telemetric electronicdevice which does satisfy the at least one particular orientation, theprocessor is configured to switch from the current mode to the othermode; a GNSS receiver coupled to the processor, the GNSS receiver beingconfigured to generate GNSS information, wherein the processor isconfigured to trigger acquisition and transmission of the GNSSinformation when the processor switches from the current mode to theother mode; and wherein the processor is configured to trigger theacquisition and transmission of the GNSS information in response to theacceleration information when the telemetric electronic device isinstalled, the detected orientation of the telemetric electronic deviceis the same or the same within tolerances, of the specified installationorientation condition.
 2. The telemetric electronic device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the specified installation orientation condition has arange or tolerance associated thereto.
 3. The telemetric electronicdevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the processor is configured topoll the accelerometer.
 4. The telemetric electronic device as recitedin claim 1, wherein the accelerometer is configured to detect theacceleration information consistent with movement that reaches athreshold; and wherein the processor is configured to trigger sendingthe acceleration information by the transmitter when the movementreaches the threshold.
 5. The telemetric electronic device as recited inclaim 4, wherein the movement that reaches the threshold corresponds toone of a usage event, a filling event, a natural event, a tapping event,a cylinder swap event, an activation event, a scheduled event, amovement event, and an orientation change.
 6. The telemetric electronicdevice as recited in claim 1 further comprising, at least one sensor forsensing a state of the vessel or meter.
 7. The telemetric electronicdevice as recited in claim 1 further comprising, at least one sensor forsensing the usage of the vessel or meter.
 8. A telemetric electronicdevice configured to sense contents or usage, comprising: a vessel ormeter is attached to the telemetric electronic device through aninterface; a processor, wherein an installation condition is processorspecified to indicate whether the telemetric electronic device forsensing the contents or usage is properly installed on the vessel ormeter when the telemetric electronic device is installed on the vesselor meter; a transmitter coupled to the processor; an accelerometercoupled to the processor; and wherein prior to installation of thetelemetric electronic device on the vessel or meter, the processor isconfigured to specify an installation orientation condition; wherein theprocessor is configured to specify at least one particular orientationfor the telemetric electronic device when it is attached to the vesselor meter and wherein the accelerometer is configured to detectorientation of the telemetric electronic device; wherein when theaccelerometer detects the orientation of the telemetric electronicdevice which does not satisfy the at least one particular orientation,the processor is configured to not switch from a current mode to anothermode; and wherein when the accelerometer detects the orientation of thetelemetric electronic device which does satisfy the at least oneparticular orientation, the processor is configured to switch from thecurrent mode to the other mode; wherein the processor is configured topoll the accelerometer of the telemetric electronic device foracceleration information when the telemetric electronic device isinstalled on the vessel or meter at a stationary location, a GNSSreceiver coupled to the processor, the GNSS receiver being configured togenerate GNSS information; and wherein the processor is configured totrigger acquisition and transmission of the GNSS information in responseto the processor switching from the current mode to other mode, thevessel or meter being configured for use at the stationary location andconfigured to transmit data when the telemetric electronic device iswithin tolerances of the installation orientation condition.
 9. Thetelemetric electronic device as recited in claim 8, wherein theprocessor being configured to monitor the accelerometer comprises,monitoring the accelerometer at least one of continually, periodically,randomly, at fixed intervals, at repeating intervals, regularly, andprogressively.
 10. The telemetric electronic device as recited in claim8, wherein the processor being configured to monitor comprises that theprocessor is configured to poll the accelerometer.
 11. The telemetricelectronic device as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least oneparticular orientation has a range or tolerance associated thereto. 12.The telemetric electronic device as recited in claim 8, wherein theprocessor is configured to trigger the acquisition and transmission ofthe GNSS information in response to the acceleration information. 13.The telemetric electronic device as recited in claim 8, wherein theprocessor is configured to trigger the acquisition and transmission ofthe GNSS receiver in response to the processor switching from thecurrent mode to the other mode.
 14. The telemetric electronic device asrecited in claim 8, wherein the accelerometer is configured to detectthe acceleration information consistent with movement that reaches athreshold; and wherein the processor is configured to trigger sendingthe acceleration information by the transmitter when the movementreaches the threshold.
 15. The telemetric electronic device as recitedin claim 14, wherein the movement that reaches the threshold correspondsto one of a usage event, a natural event, a tapping event, a cylinderswap event, an activation event, a scheduled event, a movement event,and an orientation change.
 16. The telemetric electronic device asrecited in claim 8, further comprising at least one sensor for sensing astate of the vessel or meter.
 17. The telemetric electronic device asrecited in claim 8, further comprising at least one sensor for sensingthe usage of the vessel or meter.
 18. A method of a telemetricelectronic device for sensing contents or usage, with a vessel or meteris attached to the telemetric electronic device through an interface,the telemetric electronics device comprising; a processor; a transmittercoupled to the processor, an accelerometer coupled to the processor, theaccelerometer configured to detect orientation of the telemetricelectronic device, and a GNSS receiver coupled to the processor, themethod comprising: wherein prior to installation of the telemetricelectronic device on the vessel or meter, the processor is configured tospecify an installation orientation condition of the telemetricelectronic device specific to a specific orientation of the vessel ofthe meter; the processor polling the accelerometer of the telemetricelectronic device for acceleration information when the telemetricelectronic device is attached to the vessel or meter, the vessel ormeter being configured for used at a stationary location; the processorcomparing the acceleration information with the specified installationorientation condition to determine if the orientation of the telemetricelectronic device is the same or the same within tolerances of thespecified installation orientation condition; the processor triggeringacquisition and transmission of GNSS information by the GNSS receiver inresponse to the acceleration information when the telemetric electronicdevice is installed, the detected orientation of the telemetricelectronic device is the same or the same within tolerances of thespecified installation orientation condition; and wherein when theaccelerometer detects the orientation of the telemetric electronicdevice which does not satisfy at least one particular orientation, theprocessor is configured to not switch from a current mode to anothermode; and wherein when the accelerometer detects the orientation of thetelemetric electronic device which does satisfy the at least oneparticular orientation, the processor is configured to switch from thecurrent mode to the other mode; the processor triggering transmittingthe GNSS information, wherein the processor is configured to trigger theacquisition and transmission of the GNSS information in response to theacceleration information.
 19. The telemetric electronic device asrecited in claim 18, wherein movement that reaches a thresholdcorresponds to one of a usage event, a filling event, a natural event, atapping event, a cylinder swap event, an activation event, a scheduledevent, a movement event, and an orientation change.
 20. The telemetricelectronic device as recited in claim 18, wherein the processor isconfigured to specify the at least one particular orientation for thetelemetric electronic device when it is attached to the vessel or meterand wherein the accelerometer is configured to detect the orientation ofthe telemetric electronic device.
 21. The telemetric electronic deviceas recited in claim 20, wherein the at least one particular orientationhas an associated range or tolerance associated thereto.
 22. Thetelemetric electronic device as recited in claim 18, wherein theprocessor is configured to poll the accelerometer.
 23. The telemetricelectronic device as recited in claim 18, further comprising at leastone for sensing a state of the vessel or meter.
 24. The telemetricelectronic device as recited in claim 18, further comprising at leastone sensor for sensing the usage of the vessel or meter.